Thread: Thar extermination

Originally Posted by Nick-D

I haven't hunted thar. I would love the opportunity to though. I think the issue is the immediate and mass numbers being spoken. You are talking about eradicating a total 2/3 of the herd. Its a pretty extreme approach

Conservation is important, but following recommendations from a study/strategy that is 25 years old isn't good science. With-out good science you don't have good conservation. I wish they would be more transparent with study and information. I feel that if more actual information was offered on the effects and impact of thar in the alpine ecosystems, with actual consultation of the various interest groups we could move forward with less trepidation.

This sort of axe to grind, militant approach just widens the void, encourages discontent and may well hurt the conservation cause as this mistrust manifests into action later down the line.

I agree with your comments regarding the science and strategy. What I would find very interesting is to compare the changes in alpine plant populations within the Tahr zone against comparable alpine areas outside the zone. That comparison would show the impact of Tahr, especially if areas of different population densities were compared.
Much extra area has been added to the DOC estate within the Tahr zone through tenure review of pastoral lease properties since the original Management Plan was written swelling the total Thar area and this needs to be taken into account - animal density per square kilometer versus total population.